First Thoughts on the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Turkey hunting is a ritual, a dance between hunter and hunted played out in the crisp dawn of spring. The thrill of the gobble, the careful approach, and the decisive shot are what make it so addictive. For years, I’ve chased these elusive birds with various shotguns and chokes, always searching for that perfect pattern, the one that turns a challenging hunt into a successful harvest. The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 choke tube promises precisely that: tighter, more consistent patterns at longer ranges.
My quest for a better choke stemmed from too many close calls where the pattern felt just a little too open, resulting in misses or, worse, wounded birds. I was looking for something that would extend my effective range and give me confidence in every shot. I was drawn to the EAR Head Hunter due to JEBS Chokes‘ reputation for producing quality, performance-driven products.
Upon receiving the choke, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel and the matte black finish. The build quality appeared robust, inspiring confidence. Compared to a more generic, ported choke I had been using, the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 felt much more refined and purpose-built. I chose this over similar offerings because of JEBS‘ patented “multi-staged” interior bore design; the theory behind it made sense to me.
I was cautiously optimistic. The claims of extreme patterns at extended ranges are bold, and I was eager to see if the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 could live up to the hype. My initial feeling was one of anticipation, hoping this choke would be the missing piece of my turkey hunting setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 at my local shooting range, using a Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun. The weather was typical for early spring: cool, with a slight breeze. I set up targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards, using a variety of turkey loads from different manufacturers.
The first few shots were definitely attention-grabbing. The pattern density at 30 yards was noticeably tighter than with my previous choke, and even at 40 yards, the results were impressive. Recoil felt manageable and comparable to my old choke. I experienced no issues with installation or loosening after multiple shots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer. The choke held up incredibly well, showing no signs of wear or damage, even after being subjected to mud, rain, and the occasional accidental bump against trees. Cleaning was simple; a quick scrub with solvent and a bore brush was all it took to keep it in top condition.
My experience with the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 far exceeded my expectations. It consistently produced tight, even patterns, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer missed opportunities. Previously, I was hesitant to take shots beyond 35 yards. This choke allowed me to confidently and ethically harvest birds at distances up to 45 yards.
Breaking Down the Features of EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Specifications
Caliber: 12 Gauge, specifically designed for Mossberg shotguns. This ensures proper fit and optimal performance with Mossberg models.
Construction: High-quality steel with a matte black finish. The steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, while the matte black finish reduces glare.
Constriction: .655. This constriction is optimized for turkey loads, providing a balance between pattern density and range.
Interior Bore Design: JEBS Patented “multi-staged” interior bore. This design promotes better shot and wad separation, resulting in tighter, more consistent patterns.
Purpose: Designed specifically for turkey hunting. It is engineered to maximize pattern density and effective range when using turkey loads.
Performance & Functionality
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 performs exceptionally well. It consistently delivers tight, dense patterns, significantly increasing the effective range of my shotgun. The “multi-staged” interior bore design really does seem to make a difference, creating patterns that are both consistent and devastating on turkey targets.
The choke’s only potential weakness is that it’s specifically designed for turkey hunting. It may not be the ideal choice for other types of shooting. Overall, the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated turkey choke.
Design & Ergonomics
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 boasts a simple, functional design. The matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing and reduces glare, which can be crucial in the early morning light of the turkey woods. It’s easy to install and remove with a standard choke tube wrench.
The choke’s weight is negligible, and it doesn’t noticeably affect the balance of the shotgun. There is no learning curve involved; simply install it and start patterning your gun with your preferred turkey loads.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction, the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is built to last. After a full season of hard use, it shows no signs of wear or corrosion. Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning with solvent and a bore brush is all that’s required to keep it in top condition.
With proper care, the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 should provide many years of reliable service. Its robust construction and simple design ensure longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is a standalone product, and no additional accessories are included. The primary customization aspect is experimenting with different turkey loads to find the optimal combination for your particular shotgun and hunting conditions.
It is compatible with any standard choke tube wrench designed for Mossberg shotguns. Because choke tubes are highly regulated in terms of threading, the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 will only work with Mossberg 500 series shotguns.
Pros and Cons of EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
Pros
- Delivers exceptionally tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Noticeably extends effective shooting range, leading to cleaner kills.
- Provides confidence in making ethical shots at longer distances.
Cons
- Specifically designed for turkey hunting and may not be optimal for other shooting disciplines.
- Only compatible with Mossberg shotguns.
Who Should Buy EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655?
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is perfect for serious turkey hunters who are looking to maximize the performance of their Mossberg shotgun. It’s ideal for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are common or for hunters who want to increase their effective range for ethical harvests. Experienced turkey hunters seeking improved pattern density and extended range will benefit greatly.
This choke might not be necessary for hunters who primarily hunt in densely wooded areas where shots are typically very close range. Beginner turkey hunters may also want to focus on mastering calling and stalking techniques before investing in a specialized choke tube.
A must-have accessory for use with the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is a quality turkey-specific optic or sight. A red dot sight or low-power scope can significantly improve accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
Conclusion on EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655
The EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 is a top-tier turkey choke that delivers on its promises. For $89.99, it offers a significant improvement in pattern density and effective range, making it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. The price is justified by the improved performance and increased confidence it provides in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the EAR Head Hunter Mossberg 12 Gauge Turkey Matte Black .655 to any turkey hunter looking to optimize their Mossberg shotgun’s performance. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level and experience tighter patterns and longer-range confidence, give this choke a try. You won’t be disappointed.